ROTC cadet to receive Oklahoma Star of Valor Medal

(Tahlequah, Okla.)--For displaying valor in a non-combat situation, a Northeastern State University ROTC cadet is to be decorated on June 18 at Camp Gruber Maneuver Training Center near Braggs.

Sgt. Brandon Dyer will receive the Oklahoma Star of Valor during a ceremony at 11 a.m. in Building 305. He was nominated for the honor by Major Jason Junkens, former director of NSU ROTC.

"I was honored to put Dyer in for the award," Junkens said. "His actions are a testament to the qualities of our Oklahoma Guardsmen who not only serve in combat but answer the call at home when needed. I am glad we have avenues by which we can recognize such contributions as Sgt. Dyer's."

On Nov. 5, 2010, Dyer witnessed a traffic accident on Interstate-40 when a vehicle veered into a median, traveled down an embankment and struck a line of trees. Dyer approached the burning vehicle and found the driver partially out of the cabin. He carried her from the immediate danger, assessed her injurieswhich included a broken legand used a blanket provided by another driver to pull her up the embankment to safety.

"I saw it happen and got there first," he said. "I honestly didn't expect anyone to be alive. Actually, another woman who stopped seems to remember more than I do. I just reacted to the situation."

The woman Dyer carried from the vehicle is today the mother of a 6-month-old daughter. She also has another daughter, age 6.

A junior from Howe, Dyer is majoring in health and human performance. He is also enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard with the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He serves with Alpha Company of the 120th Engineer Battalion based in Broken Arrow.

Dyer offered his gratitude to Junkens and other ROTC staff for their support of the nomination, saying "It required a lot of effort on their part."

"Sgt. Dyer demonstrates what a soldier should be outside the duties of the Army," said SSgt. Jackie Lowrimore, an NSU ROTC instructor. "I have the utmost respect for him as a soldier and a cadet in the program. He is a great credit to the Oklahoma National Guard and the U.S. Army."

The award regulation states "An Oklahoma Star of Valor Medal may be awarded to any eligible person who, while a member of the Oklahoma National Guard, performs an act of heroism involving voluntary risk of life or limb designed to protect the life of another person under conditions other than those of conflict with an armed enemy, the saving of a life or the success of the act not being essential."